Va. Shore 3rd graders hit the farm, learn about food

“It’s invaluable,” said Extension Agent Theresa Long of the Farm Tour Day and its supporters. “We’re here in an agricultural setting and it’s very important to us. This is an opportunity for our children to engage.”

Jonathan Zodun was enjoying Farm Tour Day so much he had only a moment to spare for a reporter’s question.

“I think it’s one of the best field trips I’ve been on,” said Zodun, 8, a student at Metompkin Elementary School, before quickly excusing himself.

He didn’t want to miss his turn to hold one of the broiler chicks provided by Tyson Foods Inc., he said.

Along with baby chickens, soybeans, goats, combines and farming history were among agriculture topics at the 17th annual Farm Tour Day held at Duncan Farm in New Church.

The event is held to educate third-graders from Accomack County schools, Broadwater Academy, Shore Christian Academy and home-school groups about modern commercial Eastern Shore farm operations, as well as related industries, issues and regulations.

Teachers and administrators at Farm Tour Day said the event often is the only agriculture experience for many county students, though they are growing up in a farm-oriented county.

“They’re able to make connections to the real world,” said Ann Maria Parks, Metompkin’s assistant principal, who attended the tour. “(Not) all of the kids … get the opportunity to visit the farm.”

“They’re able to make connections to the real world,” added Candi Conner, a Metompkin teacher, noting the exhibits correlate with the state Standards of Learning.

Julie Elliott, a teacher at Pungoteague Elementary, said her students were learning a lot of real-life lessons.

“(I like) talking about the crops, the big airplane that was flying (and) the chick station where we got to hold chicks,” White said. “It’s kind of neat and unusual to see.”

Accomack agriculture extension agent Theresa Long thanked the Holland family, which owns Duncan Farm, as well as a long list of sponsors and exhibitors who contributed money, time and in-kind donations.

“It’s invaluable,” said Long of the Farm Tour Day and its supporters. “We’re here in an agricultural setting and it’s very important to us. This is an opportunity for our children to engage.”